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Magic World of Design

Alissa Tuschall, MSOD Candidate '17

I was not really sure what to expect from intensive two. Leaving intensive one, I
felt such a high and felt so sure that I was in the right program! I felt so happy
to have made the decision to join Pepperdine’s MSOD program.

Unlike intensive one, which was about "self as instrument of change," intensive two
introduced the idea of "self as part of group." How do I show up in groups and how
do groups impact me? There is also this component of group dynamics. I know I have
come across it in my life and career, but is it actually a real thing? Lastly, what
do I need to learn to make sure I end up in a group that produces great results and
has great chemistry?

I remember the saying from one of the cohorts and faculty, “trust the process,” and
I am so grateful that I did. Though my journey started in anxiety, it was soon filled
with interesting group projects and incredible reading and assignments on organizational
culture and systems and group dynamics such as decision making, power and influence,
and psychological safety and trust. Before too long, it was time to meet the rest
of the cohort in Pajaro Dunes.

Our days were intense, our first night together was kicked off with a mindful awareness
practice, followed by group “speed dating” so we could catch up with each other. The
evening ended with an adventurous scavenger hunt. The beginning of intense and high
cognitive learning followed the next day when we explored the gestalt cycle of experience.
It was great to understand the theory and be allowed the opportunity to explore the
whole cycle of experience. Looking back, a lot of our learnings were rooted in this
theory.

A little example on what this theory entails (also as a way for me to test my own
knowledge): Let’s say I am hungry. I know this because of the sensations in my belly
that brought awareness to my mind that..hmmm..I am hungry. I then mobilize some energy
by thinking of how to solve this problem and will take action to meet my needs/wants,
in this case to eat, and off I go to find food and eat it. Contact is where the shift
happens, I am eating, my belly is feeling fuller and I start to withdraw by stopping
the food intake.

Expanded, the gestalt theory of experience can be applied to learning styles as well
as group dynamics which we explored deeply. In between these learnings, we as a cohort
took plenty of opportunities to bond through walk and talks around the beautiful Pajaro
Dunes surroundings, hanging out by the beach bonfire or playing games after hours
(though we all kept a strict bedtime to make sure we were in top shape for the next
day’s learning ;).

My organization is currently going through a large merger and acquisition, the learning
from these sessions provided me with a depth of theoretical and experiential learning
that is invaluable. I didn’t realize how much I absorbed until I came back to work
and applied some of the learnings in my day-to-day interaction.

The experience reminds me a little bit of Alice in Wonderland -- she fell into the
hole and while panicking on her way down she was able to grab some branches and slowed
down her descent so that she could land on the ground safely, standing up strong on
her two feet (at least, that is how I remember the story!). That is the magic of Design,
it takes you into a journey, and yes, you are scared, anxious, excited. As you descend,
you grab onto the learnings from the readings, group projects, assignments and it
calms you down. Finally, you find yourself at the beginning of another adventure,
armed with a lot more than what you started with. The magic of Design allows for a
life-changing experience.

Thank you Dr. Darren Good and Dr. Miriam Lacey for an experience of a life-time and
for sparking my curiosity on Design.

About the Author

Alissa Tuschall is a Director of HR Business Partner for the Chief Engineering Office at a technology company in Silicon Valley. She has significant experience in partnership with executive leadership teams, translating business needs into strategic people initiatives. She works collaboratively across the international workforces and is passionate about creating positive change in the world of work, one leader at a time. If she is not working, you can find Alissa testing out new recipes in the kitchen, planning a travel adventure with her husband or reading a book with their Pug, Irma, snoring at her side

The Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management offers MBA programs, Master of Science and Bachelor degree programs, and executive education for professionals online and at campuses throughout Southern California.